Women from nonwhite middle-class cultures bring their own experiences and expectations to breast cancer. For example, in the Haitian community, it is still sometimes considered inappropriate to even talk about breasts and quite shameful to have cancer, especially in the breast. The main reason for the higher mortality rate from cancer in minority communities is later diagnosis. This is due to less good access to medical care, poor or no medical insurance, less information about self-care and health, and less comfort in general with talking about cancer or sexualized body parts.

If you are from a minority community, you have the same rights as anyone else to the best care and best support services. You may not feel comfortable being an assertive health care consumer if you have been raised to believe that any authority figure, and especially a doctor, is always right. You may find it harder to ask questions or go after a second opinion. Remember that your first responsibility is to yourself and that you deserve the very best care you can find.

There are intrinsic supports in the community that can be helpful to you now. Many African-American churches have support groups for cancer patients or women’s alliances that can help with transportation, child care, meals, or whatever you need. Call the local office of your American Cancer Society and ask what is available in your own community.

If you do not feel comfortable and respected in your hospital or doctor’s office, speak up. Bring a friend or family member with you and ask for what you need. You might also want to contact the National Black Women’s Health Project in Washington, D.C.

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